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The Backstory
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 In 2006, The Jam produced a total of twenty-six events: Three benefit concerts and twenty-three showcases at the widest array of venues in our history: A&M Roadhouse, The China Club, Coda, Knitting Factory, Pianos, R&R, The Red Lion, and The Delancey. A total of fifty-two bands played in Jam events during 2006, twelve of which earned nominations to this Friday's Jammy Awards. |
| The Players |
 Of the twelve acts scheduled to perform at the 2007 Jammys, five did not play last year's show: Two bands returning from a long hiatus (Pink Flawd and Newspaper Taxis) and a trio of newcomers: Gremmie's Noisebucket, Complicated Lady, and Both Hands. Of the nine returning bands, all but two have altered their lineup since '06.
 The contest for Best Original Band is a rematch from 2006 that once again pits the funky/bluesy Chuck & Sue Rock (now fortified with three-part harmony) against the reggae-infused rock of
David Sasscer & The Mojo Conga Jam. No matter what the outcome, a groovy time is guaranteed for all.
 The Best Tribute division features The Rolling Bones (Rolling Stones), Both Hands (Ani DiFranco), Newspaper Taxis (Beatles), and Pink Flawd (Pink Floyd). One of these things is not like the others. One of these things does not belong. Just kidding.
 As usual, the most competitive category is that of Best Cover Band, this year with Complicated Lady (dark pop), Cropduster (alt-country/power pop), Gremmie's Noisebucket (modern rock), Limelight ('80s), Sandstorm(blues/funk/rock), and Square Feeet (classic rock) making for a particularly fierce and diverse field. |
The Prizes
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Playing the Jammys is itself a reward for a year's worth of hard work writing/
arranging, rehearsing, promoting, and performing. In recognition of that effort, and in accordance with tradition, every Jammy performer takes home a trophy. But we also like to recognize the cream of the crop with a little something extra.
This year, that something extra amounts to more than $9,700 worth of goodies:
INDIVIDUAL HONORS:
Best Guitarist: Gibson Les Paul BFG ($1,399.00)
Runner Up Guitarist: 10 sets of D'Addario strings ($79.99) +
Planet Waves Custom Series Instrument Cable ($48.99)
+ Planet Waves Universal Chromatic Tuner ($29.99)
Best Bassist: Guitar Center Gift Card ($250) + 5 sets of D'Addario XL
ProSteels ($164.95) + Planet Waves Custom Series
Instrument Cable ($48.99) + Planet Waves Universal
Chromatic Tuner ($29.99)
Runner-Up Bassist: 5 sets of D'Addario XL ProSteels ($164.95) + 20 ft.
Planet Waves Custom Series Instrument Cable ($48.99)
Best Drummer/Perc.: Zildjian K Dark Medium Thin 18" Crash ($423.50)
Runner-Up Drummer/Percussionist: Zildjian Cymbal Backpack ($74.95)
Best Keyboardist: Guitar Center Gift Card ($250)
Best Female Vocalist: Liz Caplan Vocal Studios Lesson/Diagnostic ($150)
+ Video Package ($100) + Audix OM-5 microphone ($265)
Best Male Vocalist: Liz Caplan Vocal Studios Lesson/Diagnostic ($150)
+ Video Package ($100) + Audix OM-5 microphone ($265)
Best Dressed: Guitar Center Gift Card ($100)
Jammer Of The Year: One year of free sessions (approx. $1,000)
GROUP HONORS:
Song of the Night: Four hours of rehearsal sessions at the Jam ($136)
Best Original Act: Media Right Studios Recording ($1,000)
Best Tribute: Magnetic Post Video Package ($1,000)
Best Cover Band: Guitar Center Gift Card ($600)
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The Judges
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 Friday night's action will be judged by a distinguished panel of music industry veterans: Kim Chapman ( Gibson Musical Instruments), Michael Gross ( The Avedis Zildjian Company), and producer Arty Skye (who has 13 gold and platinum discs to his credit, and has worked with Santana, Madonna, Wu Tang Clan, and Public Enemy, among many others). And who knows, we may even have a certified Rock Star on hand as well (they're so unpredictable). |
The Crew
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 How do you get twelve bands to play twenty minute sets with just five minute changeovers, and still have them look and sound great? With lots of help: Eric Bradley (Artist Relations), Jason Carroll (Lighting Design), Brooke Moriber (Co-Host), Diane O'Connell (Timekeeper), Jason Tubbs (Sound), Eddie Viera (Stage Crew). That's how we roll.
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The Event
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The 2007 Jammy Awards happens this Friday at 7:00 pm in the Main Performance Space at Knitting Factory (in case you're wondering, our studios will be closed). The show is free for Jam members, and just $10 for everyone else (advance tickets are available here). The Knitting Factory welcomes all ages, so bring your kids and join in the celebration.
Jam Master G
a/k/a Gregg Raybin | |
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Special Offer
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Behold the Gibson Les Paul BFG to be bestowed upon 2007's Jammy-winning Best Guitarist. With an unsanded top, distressed hardware, and a total lack of frills (like binding or covers for the pickups and truss rod), this unpolite and unapologetic beast is clearly not your father's Les Paul. Other cool touches include wooden control knobs (one of which has been removed and re-wired as a "kill switch"), a P90 pickup in the neck position, and clear control cavity covers.
As a bonus to those attending the Jammy Awards, our friends at Gibson are offering a special discount on select Gibson instruments purchased at the Manhattan Guitar Center. We'll have more details at the show, so save your ticket stubs!
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